McKenzie Friends: Bar Chairman says consumer protection has to be paramount – The Bar Council

Posted April 29th, 2016 in barristers, consumer protection, McKenzie friends, press releases by tracey

‘The protection of consumers “has to be paramount” when it comes to unregulated, uninsured and untrained McKenzie Friends charging fees to people in court, the Chairman of the Bar, Chantal-Aimee Doerries QC, told BBC listeners.’

Full press release

The Bar Council, 28th April 2016

Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk

Determinations and findings of the Hillsborough inquests – Home Office

Posted April 28th, 2016 in inquests, parliament, press releases, sport, unlawful killing by tracey

‘Home Secretary Theresa May gives a statement on the findings of the Hillsborough inquests.’

Full statement

Home Office, 27th April 2016

Source: www.gov.uk/home-office

Man sentenced for controlling or coercive behaviour – Crown Prosecution Service

‘Sam Williams has been sentenced for offences including controlling or coercive behaviour’

Full press release

Crown Prosecution Service, 27th April 2016

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Asylum court fee hike makes access to justice a “luxury” for the few – The Bar Council

Posted April 28th, 2016 in asylum, barristers, civil justice, fees, immigration, press releases, tribunals by tracey

‘Plans put forward by the Ministry of Justice yesterday to increase fees for those seeking justice through the Immigration and Asylum tribunal system by 500% is yet another step towards putting access to justice beyond the means of those who most need it, warns the Bar Council.’

Full press release

The Bar Council, 28th April 2016

Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk

Biggest reforms to money laundering regime in over a decade – Home Office

Posted April 22nd, 2016 in money laundering, press releases, proceeds of crime, terrorism by tracey

‘The Home Secretary has set out the most significant changes to the UK’s anti-money laundering and terrorist finance regime in over a decade.’

Full press release

Home Office, 21st April 2016

Source: www.gov.uk/home-office

Five guilty for their involvement in importing “deadly weapons” into UK – Crown Prosecution Service

Posted April 22nd, 2016 in conspiracy, customs and excise, firearms, press releases by tracey

‘Harry Shilling and Michael Defraine have been found guilty today at the Old Bailey for their involvement in importing and possessing firearms with intent to endanger life.’

Full press release

Crown Prosecution Service, 21st April 2016

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

New time limit planned for pregnant women in detention – Home Office

Posted April 21st, 2016 in asylum, bills, detention, immigration, pregnancy, press releases, time limits, women by tracey

‘The Home Secretary has revealed plans to place a 72-hour time limit on the detention of pregnant women.’

Full press release

Home Office, 18th April 2016

Source: www.gov.uk/home-office

Footballer found guilty of contempt of court – Attorney General’s Office

‘A semi-professional footballer who was caught tweeting about playing football 24 hours after making a dishonest insurance claim for whiplash today admitted contempt of court.’

Full press release

Attorney General’s Office, 15th April 2016

Source: www.gov.uk/ago

CPS responds to HMCPSI/HMIC Digitisation Report – Crown Prosecution Service

Posted April 15th, 2016 in criminal justice, Crown Prosecution Service, internet, press releases by tracey

‘Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary have today published a joint report on the Effectiveness of Digital Systems within the Criminal Justice System. The report highlights that significant progress has been made and the CPS has been at the forefront of that change.’

Full press release

Crown Prosecution Service, 13th April 2016

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

More flexible CPD for barristers to start from January 2017, says Bar regulator – Bar Standards Board

Posted April 15th, 2016 in barristers, continuing professional development, press releases by tracey

‘A new CPD regime for barristers on the Established Practitioner Programme will be in place from January 2017.’

Full press release

Bar Standards Board, 14th April 2016

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Former police officer sentenced for preying on domestic abuse victims for sexual gratification – Crown Prosecution Service

‘Michael McMillan, a former Merseyside police officer has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for seven counts of misconduct in public office.’

Full press release

Crown Prosecution Service, 11th April 2016

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Victim surcharge update – Sentencing Council

Posted April 8th, 2016 in press releases, sentencing, victims by tracey

‘There are increases to the victim surcharge for offences committed on or after 8 April 2016.’

Full press release

Sentencing Council, 4th April 2016

Source: http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk

Guest Blog: Rachel Crasnow QC on the Bar and shared parental leave – The Bar Council

Posted April 8th, 2016 in barristers, maternity leave, paternity leave, press releases by tracey

‘Rachel Crasnow QC, who practises in employment law at Cloisters chambers and is the Chair of the Bar Council Legislation & Guidance Panel, looks at why Shared Parental Leave, which came into force a year ago, could be relevant to barristers and why it shouldn’t be ignored by the Bar.’

Full story

The Bar Council, 7th April 2016

Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk

Leeds robber has prison term more than doubled – Attorney General’s Office

Posted April 8th, 2016 in assault, press releases, robbery, sentencing by tracey

‘A robber from Leeds who violently attacked and strangled his elderly uncle today had his jail term more than doubled to 9 years’ imprisonment after a referral by Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP.’

Full press release

Attorney General’s Office, 7th April 2016

Source: www.gov.uk/ago

Risk-based approach to regulating the Bar: the regulator publishes its Framework, Index and Outlook – Bar Standards Board

‘The BSB is today publishing three documents about its approach to risk-based regulation.’

Full press release

Bar Standards Board, 5th April 2016

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Baroness Shields opens the 2016 International Crime and Policing Conference – Home Office

‘Minister for Internet Safety and Security, Baroness Joanna Shields, opened day 1 of the second International Crime and Policing Conference.’

Full press release

Home Office, 22nd March 2016

Source: www.gov.uk/home-office

Bar regulator unveils new three-year Strategic Plan for 2016-19 – Bar Standards Board

Posted March 23rd, 2016 in barristers, legal services, press releases, quality assurance by tracey

‘The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has today published its new Strategic Plan for 2016-19 and its Business Plan for 2016-17.’

Full press release

Bar Standards Board, 22nd March 2016

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Lammy Review of BAME representation in the Criminal Justice System: call for evidence – Ministry of Justice

Posted March 21st, 2016 in criminal justice, diversity, equality, evidence, press releases by tracey

‘In January 2016 the Prime Minister invited David Lammy MP to find out why official figures show that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups appear to be over-represented at most stages of the criminal justice system, and what can be done about it. This is an independent review. It aims to make sure that everyone is treated equally, whatever their ethnicity.’

Full press release

Ministry of Justice, 21st March 2016

Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

Legal expenses insurance tax hike is yet another barrier to justice – The Bar Council

Posted March 21st, 2016 in barristers, budgets, costs, expenses, fees, insurance, press releases, taxation by tracey

‘The Bar Council has warned that the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget announcement that the Insurance Premium Tax will go up yet again is another barrier for hardworking individuals and families seeking justice.’

Full press release

The Bar Council, 18th March 2016

Source: www.barcouncil.org.uk

Bar regulator announces changes to the Bar Course Aptitude Test for 2016 and 2017 – Bar Standards Board

Posted March 11th, 2016 in barristers, examinations, legal education, press releases by tracey

‘Further to the BSB’s last announcement in December 2015, the regulator has concluded its review into the role of BCAT.’

Full press release

Bar Standards Board, 9th March 2016

Source: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk